On a simple derivation of a family of nonextensive entropies from information content

Abstract

Abstract: The nonextensive entropy of Tsallis can be seen as a consequence of postulates on a self-information, i.e., the constant ratio of the first derivative of a self-information per unit probability to the curvature (second variation) of it. This constancy holds if we regard the probability distribution as the gradient of a self-information. Considering the form of the nth derivative of a self-information with keeping this constant ratio, we arrive at the general class of nonextensive entropies. Some properties on the series of entropies constructed by this picture are investigated.

Keywords

• information theory
• nonadditive entropy
• information content